Grey College have once again ended as the number one rugby playing schoolboy side in the country and it is no surprise that they top the Canterbury Schools Rankings for 2011.

The Bloemfontein outfit have remained unbeaten this year, having won 80 matches from their last 83 starts, a truly remarkable record.

In the Western Cape, CCC Paarl Boys High School had their best season in more than a decade, their only blemish being their loss to fiercest rivals, Paarl Gym (22-19) in their inter-schools clash. Rondebosch and Bishops also enjoyed a successful season and have narrowed the gap between their Northern suburbs neighbours in the Western Province Premier A league.

Selborne dominated the Eastern Cape region having lost only one game this year against Boland Landbou (19-18). Many of their victories can be attributed to the foundation cemented by their massive pack, who weighed in in excess of 850kg. The highlight of their season was undoubtedly their 15-all draw against Grey College. Dale College and Queens also had notable seasons with both schools ending in the Top 15 in the CCC rankings. Queens College in particular are a side to keep an eye out for in 2012, with more than half their players returning to the Rec next season. One player of tremendous talent is mercurial pivot Joshua Stander. Stander has the rare ability to play both a running and kicking game and is a strong defender, definitely a player to watch out for.

Up North in Gauteng, KES have had another strong season under the tutelage of outgoing coach Carl Spilhaus. The Reds recorded only one loss of the season to Dale College (14-7) Centre Lonwabo Ndleki was a standout for the Houghton side and many have tipped this exciting playmaker to progress into the professional ranks in the near future. Affies also had a strong season and proved a formidable outfit, especially at home.

Noord Kaap, however, is the pundit’s team for the season. Hailing from Griqua country, they have surprised the crowds by remaining undefeated this year, a rare feat for any schoolboy side. Their most memorable match was their 25-22 victory over Affies.

Special mention to CCC Paarl Boys’ who won 20 from their 22 fixtures played, while the resurgence of CCC SACS has been most heartening to all rugby connoisseurs. Percy Montgomery’s alma mater has worked incredibly hard in putting structures in place and re building the rugby ethos at South Africa’s oldest school. Kudos to headmaster Ken Ball and his team who have worked overtime and their endeavours are starting to come to fruition as their first fifteen showed glimpses that they will be a force next season. The recorded famous victories at the later end of the season over Bishops (20-13) and Wynberg (29-26) silencing many of their critics.